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Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company from Spain will bring to Hong Kong audience the ravishing flamenco dance drama "Musa Gitana" in January 2003.

"This is flamenco at its finest - modern, sophisticated and tantalizing." - Evening Standard, London

The story is inspired by the paintings of Julio Romero de Torres, a famous Spanish painter. "Musa Gitana" is a story of passion, love, jealousy and death interwoven with flamenco dance, songs and music.

The drama begins with Romero's painting "Mira que bonita era..." (How Beautiful She Was...) It is the funeral of the Musa Gitana - the gypsy muse. Going back in time, there is a flamenco party, where Romero meets the gypsy girl. He is immediately captivated by her grace and beauty. Another woman from a higher social class is also captivated by that girl and wishes to learn to dance. The lady tries to seduce the painter. However, the painter makes his choice to his artistic passion and has the Musa poses for him in the painting "The Musa Gitana". The Novio, who is possessed by jealousy upon seeing his lover displayed naked, kills the woman he loves.

Paco Pena was born in Spain and made his first professional appearance at the age of twelve. He gained popularity in the UK since the late 30's and his concerts regularly sell out. He has also won the Best Flamenco Guitarist of the Year for five consecutive years. He founded the Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company in 1970. It was an immediate success and the company appeared at major festivals and toured extensively around the world. Representative works include "Misa Flamenca" (1991), "Arte Y Pasion" (1997) and "Musa Gitana" (1999). "Musa Gitana", the company's latest work, premiered in London in the Sadler's Wells for seven weeks, and is the longest run of a flamenco show in London.

Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the performance will be staged at 7.30 pm on Janurary 24 to 26 (Friday to Sunday) at the Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall. Tickets priced at $300, $240,$180 and $100.

Furthermore, there will be two Masterclasses. Class on flamenco guitar will be held at 12 noon on January 25, 2003 (Saturday) at CR1, 8/F, Backstage of Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Participants should have basic learning on flamenco guitar. Class on flamenco dance will be held at 2.30 pm on January 25, 2003 (Saturday) at Dance Studio, Sha Tin Town Hall. Participants should have basic training on flamenco dance. Tickets priced at $80 for both masterclasses.

Tickets for both performances and masterclasses are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concessions will be granted to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (Discount tickets for students and CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please refer to programme leafet for details of other discount schemes. Box seats and lounge package available for sale, please call 2268 7221 for details.

For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7323; for ticketing enquiries and reservation, please call 2734 9009; for credit card telephone booking, please call 2111 5999. To search more information on internet, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp

End/Tuesday, December 17, 2002

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